Empire Market Reports
Investment data for international buyers.
Compare growth, rental yields, live supply and foreign ownership rules side by side, then go deeper with each Empire Guide.
Most viewed
Awaiting data
Most listings
Awaiting data
Fastest growth scenario
Nigeria
Highest Empire Score
The Gambia
Empire Score
A Global Property Empire platform metric combining rental potential, growth scenario, ease of foreign ownership and buyer demand on GPE. It is not investment advice.
The Gambia
West Africa
Why this market?
- Strong diaspora demand from the UK, US and Scandinavia
- Growing tourism along the Atlantic coast
- Relatively low entry prices for land
Zambia
Southern Africa
Why this market?
- Large areas of fertile farmland
- Growing urban demand in Lusaka
- Mining-led economy
Ghana
West Africa
Why this market?
- Political stability
- Strong diaspora engagement
- Growing middle class in Greater Accra
Tanzania
East Africa
Why this market?
- Tourism in Zanzibar and the north
- Growing Dar es Salaam
- Infrastructure investment
Egypt
North Africa
Why this market?
- Huge off-plan market with payment plans
- Red Sea tourism
- New Administrative Capital
Nigeria
West Africa
Why this market?
- Large housing deficit
- Big diaspora remittance flows
- Rapid off-plan development in Lekki and Abuja
South Africa
Southern Africa
Why this market?
- Freehold ownership open to foreigners
- Deeds registry with strong legal certainty
- World-class lifestyle markets
Kenya
East Africa
Why this market?
- Regional business hub
- Digitising land records (Ardhisasa)
- Coastal holiday-home market
Botswana
Southern Africa
Why this market?
- Strong governance and stable currency
- Freehold and state-grant land
- Low crime
Namibia
Southern Africa
Why this market?
- Freehold deeds system
- Coastal growth in Swakopmund
- Political stability
United Kingdom
Europe
Why this market?
- Transparent HM Land Registry
- Strong rental demand
- Global buyer base
Market snapshot
| Country | Land growth scenario | Property growth scenario | Rental yield | Live listings | Median asking price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Gambia West Africa | 9% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6–10% (holiday lets) Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| Nigeria West Africa | 10% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 7% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 5–9% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| Ghana West Africa | 9% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6–10% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| Kenya East Africa | 8% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 5% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 5–8% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| South Africa Southern Africa | 5% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 4% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6–9% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| Zambia Southern Africa | 8% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 7–11% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| Tanzania East Africa | 9% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6–10% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| Botswana Southern Africa | 6% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 4% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6–9% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| Namibia Southern Africa | 6% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 4% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 6–8% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| Egypt North Africa | 9% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 8% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 5–8% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
| United Kingdom Europe | 3% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 3% / yr Illustrative · Confidence: Low | 4–7% Market estimate only | 0 | — |
Growth figures are illustrative scenarios and yields are market estimates, not financial advice. Live listings and prices update from approved listings on this site.
Buying from abroad
What foreign and diaspora buyers can own in each country, and the extra costs to plan for.
The Gambia
Foreigners can usually hold leasehold land (typically up to 99 years). Freehold rules vary — confirm with a local lawyer.
Budget roughly 5–10% on top of the price for legal fees, stamp duty and registration.
Nigeria
Land is held under the Land Use Act via a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Governor's consent is required for transfers.
Expect 10–15% extra for legal, agency, survey and consent fees.
Ghana
Non-citizens may hold leases of up to 50 years. Land can be stool, family or state land — title checks are essential.
Around 8–12% for legal, survey and registration.
Kenya
Foreigners can hold leasehold up to 99 years. Agricultural land is restricted for non-citizens.
Stamp duty 2–4% plus legal fees of 1–2%.
South Africa
Foreigners can generally buy freehold property on the same terms as citizens.
Transfer duty is on a sliding scale, plus conveyancing of roughly 1–2%.
Zambia
Non-citizens generally need investor status or a residence permit to hold land. Leases are up to 99 years.
Property transfer tax plus legal fees — budget around 8–10%.
Tanzania
All land is public land held by right of occupancy. Foreigners usually invest via the Tanzania Investment Centre.
Around 8–12% in fees and duties.
Botswana
Foreigners can buy freehold land. Tribal land is reserved for citizens.
Transfer duty for non-citizens is higher — budget 5–10%.
Namibia
Foreigners may buy residential property. Agricultural land is restricted.
Around 5–10% in duties and legal fees.
Egypt
Foreigners may own up to two residential properties. Rules differ in some areas, such as Sinai.
Registration and legal fees of around 3–5%.
United Kingdom
No restrictions on foreign ownership. Overseas buyers pay a 2% Stamp Duty surcharge in England.
Stamp Duty plus legal fees. Overseas and second-home surcharges apply.